The Top 21 Cruise Ships of the Last Decade

Cruising has become a popular vacation option for travelers all over the world, and the trend should only continue as cruise lines unveil bigger, better ships each year. The following cruise ships of the last decade are the best of the best due to their over-the-top amenities and amazing new features that cruisers love.

With its maiden voyage in 2017, the MSC Seaside from MSC Cruises became an instant sensation. This cruise ship features a stunning interior foyer with multiple levels of entertainment, a family-friendly waterpark and a nearly endless selection of dining and entertainment offered around the clock.

While the Viking brand is known for its European river cruises, they also offer ocean cruises around the world. The Viking Star entered service in 2015 with room for 930 guests who want space and a luxury feel during stops throughout the Mediterranean, Northern Europe and elsewhere, the West Indies and beyond.

The Silver Muse is the newest flagship from Silversea, a luxury cruise line known for its grandeur and exclusivity. This ship features eight dining venues, spacious outdoor areas for entertainment and relaxation and all-suite accommodations perfect for discerning travelers who want to see the world in style.

Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas, which debuted in 2018, is one of the largest ships in the world by gross tonnage, making it a huge hit among cruisers who love all the amenities big ships can offer. This cruise ship comes with plenty for families to enjoy including a nine-story zipline, surf simulators, glow-in-the-dark laser tag and family suites with room for everyone in your crew.

The Disney Fantasy entered service in 2012, much to the delight of Disney Cruise Line enthusiasts. Nowadays, guests on the ship can enjoy Star Wars days at sea, Broadway-style shows including Disney's Aladdin, an onboard waterpark and plenty of upscale dining options that never disappoint.

Holland America's Nieuw Statendam was delivered in 2018, and none other than Oprah Winfrey is the ship's godmother. This sizzling ship holds only 2,666 guests, yet it offers a two-story entertainment stage, innovative specialty restaurants featuring a nearly endless number of dining options and an array of room and suite options to fit singles, couples and groups of all sizes.

The Norwegian Getaway from Norwegian Cruise Line was originally delivered in 2014, and it has continued to wow guests throughout Europe and the Caribbean since then. This ship boasts an array of stunning features including a waterfront promenade, more than twenty dining options, five water slides and an action-packed sports complex.

Anthem of the Seas, which originally opened to guests in 2015, is set to sail Europe once again in summer 2020. This gigantic cruise ship has all the amenities families love, ranging from a surf simulator to bumper cars and trapeze school. Foodies will rave about the ample gourmet dining options from eateries like Chops Grille and Izumi, which features mouthwatering sushi.

The MSC Seaview from MSC Cruises launched in 2018 with much fanfare and celebration. Currently in Europe, this vessel features amazing rooms and suites with upscale interiors and plenty of room, Broadway-style shows, sophisticated dining options and nearly nonstop entertainment around the clock.

The Norwegian Breakaway from Norwegian Cruise Line took its maiden voyage in 2013, and it has been a fan favorite ever since. This epic ocean cruise ship has an oceanfront promenade, more than 25 different dining options including three seafood restaurants and high-quality entertainment from morning until night. It was also just refurbished in 2018 to include an array of magnificent amenities and updated décor.

The MSC Meraviglia has spent most of her time in Europe the last few years, but she made her American debut in 2019. This enormous cruise ship features an interior mall with an interactive domed ceiling a la Fremont St. in Las Vegas. You'll also find a giant waterpark, huge indoor and outdoor pools and hot tubs, a sports complex and dining options galore.

Luxury cruise operator Regent Cruises unveiled its Seven Seas Explorer in the summer of 2016, and travelers absolutely love this upscale ship. Only 750 guests can sail at one time and the ship's all-suite set up means everyone has luxury digs. Interiors are expertly designed, even featuring artwork from Pablo Picasso. Foodies will devour the gourmet dining options offered on this ship, which are offered nearly around the clock.

The Disney Dream first set sail in 2011, and it offers everything you would expect from the cruise experts at Disney Cruise Line. You'll find Disney character experiences all over the ship, nonstop entertainment and gourmet dining options-including adults-only restaurants. Staterooms and suites are also available for families of all sizes, including rooms with concierge-level service.

The Celebrity Flora made its first sailing in 2019, but it's already a hit. This ship offers modern luxury and all-suite accommodations for the discerning traveler. Only 100 guests can enjoy this ship at a time, so you can expect endless pampering and quality service while you cruise the Galapagos Islands near Quito, Ecuador.

The Sky Princess just made its debut in 2019 with current itineraries in the Caribbean and Europe. This ship features the largest seaside balcony of all cruise ships worldwide, unparalleled service and anytime dining which means you're never rushed. You'll also find a Vegas-style casino, huge pools, shopping at exclusive boutiques and professional entertainment on a world-class stage.

The MS Roald Amundsen was new from Hurtigruten in 2019, yet it's already insanely popular thanks to its sustainable hybrid technology and onboard science center. Travelers should book this luxury ship for the upscale experience it offers in polar waters, including in Antarctica.

First open to guests in 2019, the Norwegian Encore has already earned plenty of accolades including Cruise Critic's 2019 Editor's Pick as Best New Ship. Highlights include the largest racetrack at sea, laser tag, award-winning entertainment, zip-lining and even cave tubing. You can also find itineraries on this ship with a free open bar, free internet access and free shore excursions.

Carnival Cruise Line's Carnival Horizon first made her debut in 2018, making her one of their newest ships. Guests were wowed right away thanks to the enormous onboard Dr. Seuss waterpark, IMAX theatre, spa and adults-only areas and around the clock entertainment options. The Carnival Horizon even has two restaurants from Guy Fieri-a burger joint and a smokehouse.

The MSC Bellissima cruised its first time in 2019 yet this ship has inspired wonder and admiration from cruisers everywhere since. This giant ship has a giant interior corridor with a movie-screen ceiling, an expansive waterpark area, several indoor and outdoor pools and one of the best kid's clubs at sea.

The Costa Smeralda just debuted in December of 2019, but its already making its mark thanks to its sustainable, Earth-friendly technology and features. This new ship features several itineraries throughout Europe and the Mediterranean, an Italian-style design, 11 restaurants and 1,628 balcony cabins that let you take in beautiful coastal views.

The Norwegian Joy first entered service in 2017, although it already completed a $50 million+ refurbishment. This ship now boasts an onboard racetrack perfect for adventure-seekers, the Tony-award nominated show Footloose and a huge virtual world in its own Galaxy Pavilion. You'll also find huge pools and hot tubs, an onboard Starbucks coffee shop and plenty of gourmet and casual dining options.